DatelineCarolinaA Popular Relationship Trend "No Strings" Is More Complicated Than It Seems

By: Storey DeBrew

A recent study by the Institute of Evolutionary Studies showed 40% of single people surveyed said they are uncertain about whether they want to marry at all.

This study shows a relationship trend in young adults, called a no-strings-attached relationship.

A no-strings-attached relationship is when two people engage together sexually, but do not get involved emotionally.

This relationship phenomenon was brought to light in 2011 on the big screen, No Strings Attached and Friends With Benefits.

But, two young adults say the relationships are more complicated than they seem. 

A 22-year-old man, who wanted to remain anonymous, admitted to being involved in multiple no-strings-attached relationships.

"A no strings attached relationship would be when a guy and a girl decide to be sexually involved, but there is really no obligations to be with each other. It's just really uninvolved, he said."

The man said the flings are much different than other relationships.

"With a girlfriend you know you want to wine and dine her, be with her in public, but with a no strings attached it is more of a you call each other when you need each other."

However, a woman who also wanted to remain anonymous and was involved in a no-strings-attached relationship, disagreed.

"It's hard, especially for the girl, to not get somewhat attached, she said."

She said she initially enjoyed being involved with someone. 

But eventually it became clear to her exactly why they were together.

 "I never really would go into the relationships being like this is just me wanting to hook up, but then it would just turn into that. Then I was kind of just stuck in it," she said.

She added, "To the guy, it is just a way to get some."

"I mean I think you can think that its good starting out and think that it is just going to be and y'all are just hooking up but eventually someone is going to get, well I mean eventually, obviously, the girl is going to get attached."

"Girls are more emotional humans, they are obviously going to get more attached and want more in a relationship than just a no strings attached relationship," he said.

Psychologists say no-strings-attached relationships can sometimes work. But the trick is to keep all conversations light and to not talk about the future.